#12,849
Although Italy's IZSV (Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie) hasn't updated their map or Outbreaks Chart since Friday, today they have posted some brief updates on HPAI H5 in poultry and in wild birds.
During the first three weeks of October Italy has reported at least 15 outbreaks of HPAI H5N8 or HPAI H5, along with several other detections in wild birds.This heavy persistence of avian flu in Italy over the summer - and at much lower levels across other parts of Europe - is in sharp contrast to previous years when H5N8 all but disappeared in Europe and North America once spring ended (see PNAS: The Enigma Of Disappearing HPAI H5 In North American Migratory Waterfowl).
As we discussed in Avian Flu: That Was Then . . This Is Now, HPAI H5N8 has undergone dramatic evolutionary changes since 2016, and additional changes in its genetics and behavior are always possible.
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Italy
2016/2017 – H5N5, H5N8
Outbreaks | PDF (last update: 20/10/2017)
Maps | PDF (last update: 20/10/2017)
October 2017
23/10/2017 – On 13 October, samples from two mute swans (Cygnus olor) found in Verbano-Cusio-Ossola province (Piedmont region), were analysed at the National Reference Laboratory (NRL) for Avian Influenza and Newcastle Disease and resulted positive to Avian Influenza subtype H5. On 17 October, NRL characterised the virus as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) virus subtype H5N8.
On 19 October, the National Reference Laboratory for Avian Influenza and Newcastle Disease confirmed as positive for Avian Influenza A virus subtype H5 a fattening turkeys farm in Brescia province (Lombardy region). In close proximity to the outbreak, there is another fattening turkeys farm. Due to proximity and lack of a clear separation, the two farms are being treated as a unique epidemiological unit. The unit hosted 29.640 female turkeys, at the time of confirmation. On 16 October evening, depressed sensorium was detected and, the next day, increased mortality was observed and reported to the Veterinary Services. Epidemiological investigations revealed that the affected unit had risk contacts with the fattening turkeys farm in Brescia Province confirmed as positive for HPAI H5N8 on 9 October.
On 19 October, NRL confirmed as positive for Avian Influenza A virus subtype H5 another fattening turkeys farm located in Brescia province (Lombardy region). The farm hosted 8.945 male turkeys, at the time of confirmation. On 17 October evening, depressed sensorium was detected and, the next day, increased mortality was observed and reported to the Veterinary Services.
On 20 October, the virus isolated in the last two outbreaks were characterised by the NRL as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) virus subtype H5N8.
19/10/2017 – On 17 October, the National Reference Laboratory (NRL) for Avian Influenza and Newcastle Disease confirmed as positive for Avian Influenza A virus subtype H5N8 a backyard flock in Padua province (Veneto region). In the premises were present five laying hens. Furthermore, six swans were resident in the property pods, which were frequented by wild mallards (Anas platyrhynchos). An increase in mortality was observed on 13 October, when two swans were found dead. Culling procedures of Gallinaceous birds were concluded on 18 October.
On the same day, NRL confirmed as positive for Avian Influenza A virus subtype H5N8 another backyard flock in Padua province (Veneto region). The flock consisted of eight geese and 34 ducks. Wild mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) used to frequent the pods located in the premise, and, in this way, came into contact with the flock. On 13 October, an increase in mortality was observed in the flock. Culling procedures have already been completed.
Lastly, NRL characterised as Highly Pathogenic the viruses isolated in the last outbreaks in Lombardy region.
With the fall migratory bird season in full swing, and fresh reports over the weekend of HPAI H5 turning up in Russia, Germany & Bulgaria, poultry interests throughout Europe are being urged to fortify their biosecurity measures.
